The Medal of Honor

Townhall.com ^ | 12-26-06 | Jeff Emanuel

[jazusamo]

Greater love hath no man…

Michael Monsoor, of Garden Grove, California, felt the same call to serve his country that had previously led his father and brother into the Marine Corps. However, he was pulled in a different direction than his family members had been: he was drawn to the United States Navy, not out of a desire to serve in the fleet, but out of a burning ambition to serve as a Navy SEAL, one of America's Special Operations elites.

Monsoor succeeded at BUD/S (Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL) training, and was assigned to SEAL Team 3, based at Coronado, CA. It was in Iraq, though, as he fought alongside his teammates, that he repeatedly demonstrated the bravery and heroism which are characteristic of America's fighting men and women, and it was in that same country, on September 29, 2006, that the 25-year-old gave his life to protect them.

A recipient of the Bronze Star Medal for his earlier actions in the War on Terror, Monsoor was recently awarded the Silver Star, the third-highest medal conferred upon members of the United States military, for his valor and selflessness while engaged in a firefight in Ramadi in May, when, according to the report, "he and another SEAL pulled a team member shot in the leg to safety while bullets pinged off the ground around them."

[jazusamo]

Navy Seal Mike Monsoor nominated for Medal Of Honor.

Michael Monsoor with M-249 SAW at right

[RedRover]

Thank God for men such as Mike Monsoor. And thanks for posting this, jaz.

[Virginia Ridgerunner]

In my humble opinion, one of DOD's biggest failings during the ongoing GWOT is its failure to publicly recognize and herald the real heros out on the front lines (and in the back alleys and dark crevices of third world hellholes) in which they operate, much like the government did in World War II. Where are the Audie Murphys and Snuffy Smiths of our modern military and why are they not being given the public attention and acclaim that they deserve?

In this day and age, it seems that the the likes of Terrell Owens, Allen Iverson, and Barry Bonds are held up as role models and even heroes, but men like Monsoor barely get ten seconds of attention in the MSM. It's a disgrace!

In the film Enemy at the Gates, Politruk Danilov tells Nikita Khruschev that "we must tell magnificent stories, stories that exalt sacrifice and bravery. We must make [our troops] believe in a victory. We must give them hope, pride, a desire to fight. Yes. We need to make examples but examples to follow. What we need are heroes."

Although a fictional line, I can't agree more with this sentiment! So...where are our American heroes?

[sine_nomine]

You are correct. In a broader sense the current administration has not articulated a clear, patriotic, long-term vision for the future. A desire to placate the enemy will never work, has never worked.

Our military heroes should be constantly before us through the channels of the government and the media.

Schools, areas that ban ROTC should be relieved of their government funding since government funding keeps them free to be cowardly pissants.

[jazusamo]

Yes. We need to make examples but examples to follow. What we need are heroes."

Very well said, VR. I couldn't agree with you more.

As a boy, Audie Murphy was my hero, not because he was a movie star but because he was a war hero.

He was not much more than a boy himself when he enlisted but his determination and caring for his fellow soldier and country made him mature beyond his years.

[GitmoSailor]

Thanks for the post!!!

[jazusamo]

Hiya Gitmo, good to "see" you.

Yes, our heroes deserve much more recognition than they get.

[Retired COB]

Fair winds and following seas to Petty Officer Michael Monsoor

SKCM(SS) Russ Snyder, USN Retired

[opbuzz]

Is this the same hero who was an AO2? I can't find his rate.

I keep seeing references to "PO2" Monsoor, which is probably a generic reference to 2nd class petty officer.

Semper Fi to a hard charger.

[jazusamo]

This article doesn't refer to his rank but all the previous articles I've read about the action says he's Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael A. Monsoor.

[Delta 21]

There was only one access point for entry or exit and Monsoor was the only one
who could have saved himself from harm. Instead, knowing what the outcome
could be, he fell on the grenade to save the others from harm.

Definitely above and beyond.

WOW !

[RinaseaofDs]

For all of Rumsfeld's successes in office, managing the Media Theater of Battle has been his absolute failure.

That our JCOS doesn't consider the media a theater of battle in itself is just as bad as preparing to fight the last war. In fact, Vietnam should have hammered that lesson home hard.

[DMZFrank]

So true. The incredible heroics of men like Sgt. Joe Hooper or Patrick Brady in the Vietnam war should be known and extolled by every American. Ask the average American about them and others like them and all you will get is a blank stare.

[SandRat]

Odd??? Wonder why we're not hearing about this loudly from the MSM??? < / feigned ignorance

[isthisnickcool]

READ THIS !!

[jazusamo]

Thanks for the link and the heads up, Nick.

There are some true heroes among us and Sgt. Bryan Anderson is definitely one of them.

I got it bookmarked.

[jazusamo]

Ping for a true hero, post #15.

[RedRover]

Bump,jaz.

[Just A Nobody]

Thank you for the ping.

As we remember the reason for this Christmas season, it is of the utmost importance that we reflect on this fact: the scope of these men's sacrifices is far greater than the relatively small number of people who were spared by their action. Each of the soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines who has died in combat has done so to save each of us; ..... much like Christ did, in our place, that we may live.

"There are only two willing to lay down their life for you.
Christ for your soul and a soldier for your freedom."

[RedRover]

Amen, Justa!